icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddr,b as a value-based organization encourages women and people with disabilities.

The NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) research group under the Nutrition Research Division is focusing research to cooperatively develop cost-effective point-of-care molecular diagnostics in resource-limited settings. The team focuses on the validation and development of diagnostics for leishmaniasis (VL/PKDL), filariasis, leprosy, and dengue. Currently, they are collaborating on the ‘Pipeline for Rapid Diagnostics of Emergency Transboundary Infectious Diseases (PREPARE-TID)’ project. This initiative aims to enable rapid identification of infectious agents through cutting-edge mobile metagenomics sequencing, point-of-care molecular assays, and the implementation of advanced surveillance programs integrated into a comprehensive digital “One Health” platform.

Position description:

The Senior Research Assistant will report to the Research Investigator and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing laboratory assays with the objective of conducting high-quality laboratory research. She/he will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Laboratory activities involving Neglected Tropical Disease’s diagnosis and surveillance (leishmaniasis, leprosy, filariasis, dengue etc.).
• Establishing and maintaining liaison with field staff to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Receiving, storing & maintaining inventory of samples from fields.
• Performing DNA/RNA extraction techniques (standard and rapid) from various human specimens including stool, skin, blood, serum, and vectors including mosquitoes, sandflies, etc., and different molecular (e.g. PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, RPA) and immunological (e.g. ELISA) assays.
• Conducting MinION Sequencing and downstream analysis of sequencing data.
• Isolating bacteria and phages from stool samples, fluorescent labeling & counting of phages and bacteria under fluorescence microscope.
• Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety standards and proper documentation of all procedures.
• Interpreting tests, generating reports on results, and keeping records.
• Updating, submitting project progress report to the supervisor, and providing input in manuscript writing.
• Providing training and guidance to junior staff or interns in laboratory techniques.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Masters with Bachelors in Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Microbiology with good academic record.
• 3 years of laboratory work experience in the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology. Candidates with experience in DCIP, AET, fluorescence microscopy, RPA assay, qPCR assay, ELISA, MinION Sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and publication(s) in peer reviewed journals will be given preference.

Location: Mohakhali Campus, Dhaka

Number of Posts: 01

Contract Type and Duration:

Short-Term Contractual Service Agreement: The initial duration will be 3 months with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

Salary & Benefits:

• Tk. 45,593/- per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances;
• Festival bonus, income tax paid by icddr,b and subsidized canteen; Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.

Notes of Attention:

• • Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written test/interview;
  • icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process;

Interested candidates who fulfill the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by March 10, 2025.